Checklist for business cloud users

Every business organization will have specific operation procedures to follow and cloud should be an essential part of it. Data storage has shifted from the conventional physical storage using storage centers to the more efficient cloud storage server based data storage, backup and recovery. If you are not using the cloud, then you must realize that most of the businesses around you have already shifted to cloud. Data storage capabilities you get to enjoy using cloud is endless and you get to store the files on the cloud with maximum security and anonymity. When you are shortlisting a cloud, make sure to follow the checklist given below in points for your reference. The cloud that satisfies all of these should be your pick.

Industry Certified Cloud

Businesses that operate in certain industries should stick to the rules and regulations framed by their respective industry bodies. Especially businesses that deal directly with customer data should make sure that the cloud is certified and follows all the compliance regulations that are in place by the Government body. All the security regulations in your business should also be followed by the cloud. If your business is in need of extensive data security features then choose a service provider known for providing the best level of security and data protection.

Industry specific cloud

Businesses can easily find out cloud storage companies that cater specifically to their business entity. Clouds that excel in providing services to a particular stream of business such as medical, construction, finance etc. can be shortlisted from the extensive online database. Whatever may be your business stream, there are clouds providing services exclusively for your business. Confidential customer data should be safeguarded at any cost, which should be your priority.

Encryption conditions

Businesses need to secure their business data and cloud offers one of the best security parameters. Encryption is offered by a cloud both during file transfers and also on the storage server. There are cloud storage providers in the market that do not provide security parameters even now. Some clouds offer very minimal encryption and using such a network, you will not be able to secure your data in a way you would have liked. Security parameters provided by a cloud should be compared against one another and you must make a decision only after that. 256-bit and 448-bit encryptions provide superior security and data protection. A reputed cloud storage provider that has years of experience in providing highly secured internet network should be your pick.

Bandwidth limitations

Business organizations that are focused on using the cloud mainly for backup will have to consider the bandwidth capabilities offered by the cloud. Bandwidth limitations will create problems especially while performing backups and you would not like that. Cloud storage providers have certain restrictions and caps on the bandwidth range that can be utilized for backup. In the presence of bandwidth caps, businesses cannot backup all the data they need. If you do not want this restriction then you can very well choose a cloud that has no bandwidth limitations in place.

Storage space

There are many cloud storage providers and you can choose any one of them based on your storage requirement. One gentle advice that we would give you is that, subscribe only for a package that you need the most and do not overpay for any package. Many subscribers buy too much and end up scratching their heads about it. Unlimited data storage plan is an option for those of you dealing with large quantities of data and similarly you can even choose a subscription model that lets you add additional data storage space as and when needed.

Pricing

Most important factor to consider of all is the pricing of the cloud storage solution. Stay away from the companies that charge you more than what they deliver and also from the ones that give fake promises. Data storage plans and fee should be evaluated properly or else you may end up paying more than your budget. Price split up should be considered in the first place and subscribe only after that. Companies charge additional fee for bandwidth range, device compatibility and so on. Advertisements that state monthly pricing should not be misconceived straightaway because in most of these subscriptions you have to pay the annual subscription. Discounts and offers are also applicable only on long term subscription plans.

Data backup and recovery

Cloud is also known for the data backup and recovery option. Unexpected events such as server crash, file damage, virus or malware attack may happen anytime. Even when your business servers or PCs crash, you can rely on cloud for your data if it provides you best backup and recovery solutions. Instant data recovery and backup are the forte for many top class cloud storage providers.

Service level agreement

Every cloud storage provider should provide a SLA to their subscribers. Service Level Agreement consists of the services rendered to the subscriber, server availability clause, response time, security issues, service outages and other storage parameters and the cloud will guarantee to provide assistance in the same. Check the agreement to make sure that the features mentioned by the cloud are stated in it.

A cloud storage service that satisfies all these conditions and ticks all the boxes for your business organization should be your preferred choice.